Robin Cruz
07-02-2008, 12:32 PM
I received the new router a few days ago. For reference I have used the Hitachi M12V for years and it is a wonderful router. I purchased the M12v2 for a 2nd router assuming it would be as capable as its predecessor. It has several defects and design faults that were so blatant I returned the unit without ever using it. I will be purchasing another manufacturer's 3 hp router after this experience. I have listed problems below and attempted a general order of importance first to last.
1) When the unit 1st starts it chatters and growls for a 1/2 second. This is with or without the collet installed and at the lowest or fastest speed and in or out of table mount. It should soft start smoothly with no mechanical chatter.
2) The tightening sleeve in the locking collet nut will not lock in place inside the nut as its designed and when a bit is inserted the sleeve breaks loose from the nut and is pushed to the bottom of the spindle opening not allowing the bit to be tightened. Once this happens the sleeve is very difficult to remove from the spindle opening.
3) The height adjust is controlled by a lever to select screw (using the knob/shaft) or free slide for course height. When the lever is engaged into the threads to use the screw adjust, the height will often suddenly slip as if the gears are not fully engaged.
4) The height stop bar, if fully retracted will offset from its guiding slot and then recess into the side of the router. The shaft then has to be manipulated with a screwdriver to return it to position.
5) The height adjust shaft/knob is attached by pushing the shaft over a recepticle with rubber o-rings to hold it in place. The shaft will then vibrate off during the first few seconds of vibration. This occurred consistently with only turning on and off the router and never actually cutting wood.
6) There are dowels inserted into the center of of height tension springs to prevent them from full collapse. When the springs are removed for table mounting, the dowels remain loosely in the shaft and cannot be easily removed. In the M12V these are metal and are easily removed.
7) Very heavy. Much more heavy and cumbersome then the M12V. 14 vs 12lbs.
8) I bought this for commonality with the M12V but even the hole pattern in the plate is different.
I'll probably try the Freud 3 1/4 HP now or look for a used M12V I guess.
1) When the unit 1st starts it chatters and growls for a 1/2 second. This is with or without the collet installed and at the lowest or fastest speed and in or out of table mount. It should soft start smoothly with no mechanical chatter.
2) The tightening sleeve in the locking collet nut will not lock in place inside the nut as its designed and when a bit is inserted the sleeve breaks loose from the nut and is pushed to the bottom of the spindle opening not allowing the bit to be tightened. Once this happens the sleeve is very difficult to remove from the spindle opening.
3) The height adjust is controlled by a lever to select screw (using the knob/shaft) or free slide for course height. When the lever is engaged into the threads to use the screw adjust, the height will often suddenly slip as if the gears are not fully engaged.
4) The height stop bar, if fully retracted will offset from its guiding slot and then recess into the side of the router. The shaft then has to be manipulated with a screwdriver to return it to position.
5) The height adjust shaft/knob is attached by pushing the shaft over a recepticle with rubber o-rings to hold it in place. The shaft will then vibrate off during the first few seconds of vibration. This occurred consistently with only turning on and off the router and never actually cutting wood.
6) There are dowels inserted into the center of of height tension springs to prevent them from full collapse. When the springs are removed for table mounting, the dowels remain loosely in the shaft and cannot be easily removed. In the M12V these are metal and are easily removed.
7) Very heavy. Much more heavy and cumbersome then the M12V. 14 vs 12lbs.
8) I bought this for commonality with the M12V but even the hole pattern in the plate is different.
I'll probably try the Freud 3 1/4 HP now or look for a used M12V I guess.